Chapter Fifty-three

Alina’s POV

“You can't be here ma'am” Clara voice was low as she whispered to me , though her eyes were soft when I glanced at them but she kept looking around as if she didn't want to get caught talking to me, which would be a complete and utter lie because we were friends right?

“You haven't been responding to my messages or answering my calls.” I looked at the clock in the reception area of the waiting room.

“She took my phone, she didn't let me get home until past 10, she has been strict with us since the past one week.” She started rubbing her hand over her face. “I don't know what to do anymore. ” I could hear the frustration in her voice. I knew it wasn't easy for her to deal with.

“Let me see her.”

Clara looked like she was skeptical about my request . But then she sighed and gestured for me to follow her up the hallway. We stopped in front of a plain wooden door with the name 'Vanessa Grant’' in gold letters on its surface. A small plaque above the frame read 'CEO'. She turned the handle and slowly opened the door revealing my sister.

Vanessa had taken over the company and I was left to wallow in my recovery phase after that fateful night, but it wasn't too bad. I had found myself back in the life I had abandoned, with all the old habits I hadn't really lost, but the most important part -Sebastian’s niceness.

I used to think he was made of stone, ready to tear down any obstacle that came his way, no matter how big. But now... he was…

“Ma you have a visitor.”Clara’s announcement interrupted my thoughts and brought me out of my reverie. The woman looked confused at the sight of me, but I gave her a friendly smile before she spoke again. “Oh” She was smoking something and her face was flushed red with the fumes from the joint.

“I thought I gave strict warning not to let my darling Alina in” She was staring at Clara, no, glaring at her , more a look of amusement than anything else.

Grace looked like she had been caught between a rock and a hard place “I am sorry ma'am.”

Vanessa chuckled “Of course. Leave us.” And when Clara left, she held her hands out towards me. “Alina dear, what brings you here?” Her tone reeked of mockery. She was talking as if I was some feeble minded child, instead of an adult trying to fix everything herself after everything happened. It was ridiculous, I mean I wasn't that weak! I was a grown ass woman who knew what she wanted and had made it work, yet here I was. Trying to make things go smoothly and doing such an awful job at that.

“I think I am strong enough to come back, I just wanted you to know first before I tell Grandfather” I didn't need her patronizing attitude to rub salt into the wound.

“That's sweet of you Alina, but there is nothing for you to come back to. “ She put away the cigarette and stared straight at me, making eye contact with me was the hardest thing she ever tried to do.”I am done with you sister.“ Her words were sharp and cut through me like ice. “What makes you think you are fit to come back here? I saw you limp as you walked in this building. You are not ready to walk anywhere, least of all in your house.”

It was true, I did limp and it was obvious.

But I hadn't been myself, I was losing my mind staying at home all day. Even with Sebastian’s help, I couldn't stay stable anymore. I needed a change. Something to help me recover, something that could bring me a little bit closer to who I had once been. That's why I had decided to come back. To find it, whatever it was.

“I am fine Vanessa , you shouldn't worry about me so much” My voice was shaky with anger and I tried to keep it steady, but failed miserably. “There are other people here that need me. This company needs me. Not that you would understand. I know that you only want to be CEO to spite me. I know you hate me but this is about the future of this company”

At that, she laughed. It started off as a low chuckle, but soon developed into full blown laughing. Her shoulders shook and the smoke flew out her nose, almost hitting me in the process.

“Alina I'm afraid I cannot allow you to enter.” She said in between fits of laughter. “After the stunt you pulled with your past, I won't risk another scandal, especially with our stocks dropping like they did. Grandfather would be ashamed of you.”

My jaw dropped at her response. No, no way. How dare she?

But I clenched my jaw, sitting quietly. I wouldn't give up. I wouldn't let her defeat me, not today and not any time in the near future. So I remained silent and let my eyes wander around the office. There wasn't much to see. Just a little touch to outdo my previous decorating choices. I spotted two large portraits behind the desk in front of me.

Vanessa stood up and walked behind me. “You are dismissed Alina.” She whispered in my ear . “And if I catch wind of another incident of you being here... Well. Let's just say I will get very angry.”With that she opened the door firmly. “Shall we? I would help you down the stairs. You know how weak you have become .”

“No I don't think so Vanessa . I still have strength” I said, getting up and placing my hand on the railing. I made sure the pain was gone from my leg before taking a couple of steps away from her. I felt the familiar sting as the brace went tight against my leg, but it was nowhere near as unbearable as last time.

“Goodbye Alina” I heard Vanessa’s voice before a force pushed me forward and I tumbled down the stairs.